Bartholinitis

An infection of the bartholinis glands at the entrance of the vagina. The disorder, which can be due to sexually transmitted infection such as Chlamydia or gonorrhoea, causes an intensely painful red swelling at the opening of the gland ducts. Treatment is with analgesic drugs, antibiotic drugs and warm baths.

Bartholinitis can lead to the formation of an abscess or a painless cyst known as bartholins cyst which can get infected. Abscesses are drained under general anaesthesia. Recurrent abscesses or infected cysts can require surgery to convert the duct into an open pouch or completely remove the gland.